Valuables stolen in southwest suburban car break-ins

FRANKFORT, Ill. (WLS) -- Police in southwest suburban Frankfort are investigating a series of car break-ins in which valuables are stolen, as similar break-ins are being reported in the surrounding communities.

Frankfort police said thieves broke into four vehicles in the parking lot at Commissioner's Park Sunday. In each case they broke a car window, reached in and stole valuables, typically a woman's purse, police said.

"It's sad that today you can't leave your purse in the car and can't leave your windows open or doors unlocked," said Jaime Spreadbury.

"A lot of people come out here, especially in the summer with their kids. It's a little concerning," said Jessica Fazio.

Nearby, in a downtown Frankfort municipal lot, thieves broke into two more cars. Police said they have no video of any of the incidents, but similar break-ins happened Sunday in nearby New Lenox and in a parking lot in Tinley Park.

Police said most incidents happened in the early afternoon when there were lots of people around.

"You can't see the parking lot from the dog park, so people don't look. I'm going to let everybody know now, yeah," said Nancy, a resident of Frankfort.

Frankfort police have posted information to the village's Facebook page and sent out an email to residents. At this point, they do not have a description of any suspect.

"Our police are working on this issue like mad as we speak. And it is sad that there are people who will take crimes of opportunity," said Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland.

In the meantime, police are advising residents to keep any valuables out of plain sight in their cars by putting them under the seat or in the trunk.